The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on August 16, 2010 in the Media Center of the School. Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members LaRue, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present. Absent: Hoff, Johnson, Nelson. Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Joey Andreasen, and Marcy Andreasen.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Wing moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Spangler. MCU.

Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

Approval of July 19, 2010 minutes.

YTD Financial Report.

Approval of bills: July Hand-payables: $31,994.62, July Wire Transfers: $29,394.62, and August bills: $43,647.82.

Spangler seconded. MCU.

Communication/Delegations

Board ReportsWing reported on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.

LaRue reported on the need for the Board to fortify support for coaching staff.

Region I report from Nelson was handed out.

Principal’s ReportMr. Otte reported on the following:

The Teacher Handbook has been updated with new staff, class advisors, etc.

The portable ITV System secured through a Grant though Lakes Country Service Coop is in the process of being installed in the High School English Classroom. The district will need to purchase a document camera needed for the system.

Test scores have been received and are encouraging.

Staff workshop will be September 1st and 2nd.

Open House will be September 1st, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 7th grade orientation will be at 6:15 pm in the Media Center. 9th grade will have a 4-year class schedule meeting in the Media Center at 7:30 pm. There will be a Community Pep Fest at 8:00 PM on the Football Field.

School will being September 7th.

New information has been received on the Genesis student system allowing automatic e-mail notifications.

An on-line fee payment system was discussed.

The FY2011 Title I Application is underway.

The Intercom/Paging system has been updated. Mr. Otte will meet with the Student Council about potential future uses.

Mr. Otte reported that there is a student being home schooled for math only that is not passing the MN test and the plan for improvement to achieve graduation.

There was another meeting with Brandon/Evansville regarding football pairing. The discussion points have been the small numbers each school has in the current 6th Grade, and the feasibility of combining the 7th grade teams in 2011-2012. There was also discussion on Ashby JV being able to voluntarily play with Brandon/Evansville . A.D. Marcy Andreasen is checking on the MSHSL rules regarding this. The Board directed Mr. Otte to continue to pursue the sharing options.

Superintendent’s ReportMr. Jensen reported on the following:

Delayed State Aid payments may begin as early as September with Ashby expecting approximately $140,000 in delayed payments over the course of September through January with a projected May payback which will have an impact on the districts cash flow and investment strategy. The early recognition of Spring 2011 property taxes replacing State Aid will also add to the cash flow issue. If the Legislature continues it’s practice of using the shift to balance the budget the District could be in a tight budget spot for FY12.

FY11 Budget will be reviewed at the September meeting. The initial 2010 pay 2011 Levy Certification needs to be completed by September 23rd.

Discussion ItemsThe summer facility maintenance is progressing and will be completed by the beginning of the new school year. The electric boiler project is underway. The old boiler has been removed. November 1st is the anticipated completion date. Smart Board installation as well as new staff computers with improved performance is in progress. Evansville Automotive agreed to start some bus maintenance to prepare for the annual bus inspection at the bid price. There will be a help wanted ad posted this week for a half time evening custodian.

Action ItemsSpangler made a motion to adopt the Teacher and Student Handbooks for 2010-11. Wing seconded. MCU.

Rylander made a motion to accept the resignation of Joey Andreasen as Head Football Coach. Spangler seconded. MCU.

Spangler made a motion to accept the bus/van maintenance low bid from July 19, 2010 from Evansville Automotive. Wing seconded. MCU.

Spangler made a motion to approve the Head Football Coach Contract for Tom Thormodson. Wing seconded. MCU.

Rylander made a motion to approve the Head Girls Basketball Coach Contract for Trevor Schneeberger. Wing seconded. MCU.

Wing made a motion to approve the 2.3/7 Teacher Contract for Angie Baker. Rylander seconded. MCU.